Photos show how KCK honored police officer killed while stopping fleeing driver
By Emily Curiel ,
Tammy Ljungblad and
Dominick Williams
For the second time in less than a month, a procession of law enforcement officers followed a hearse as it wound its way through Kansas City, Kansas.
The first happened on Aug. 11 when the funeral procession for Wyandotte County Sheriff’s deputy Elijah Ming solemnly rolled through the city. Ming was shot and killed while responding to a call on July 26.
On Wednesday, a similar scene closely followed as the funeral procession for Kansas City, Kansas, police officer Hunter Simoncic crawled along through the highways and streets in the community Simoncic worked to keep safe. Simoncic was killed on Aug. 26 after being struck by a truck pursued by KCK police. He was hit after the vehicle ran over stop sticks he had thrown in its path during the pursuit near West 75th Street and State Avenue. Prosecutors allege that the driver of the car, Dennis Edward Mitchell III, 31, intentionally veered toward Simoncic and have charged him with capital murder along with other charges.
The procession followed a public memorial service earlier in the day at Children’s Mercy Park with all the law enforcement honor ceremony like the funeral held for Deputy Ming only weeks earlier.
Here are photos from the funeral and procession for Kansas City, Kansas, police officer Hunter Simoncic.
First responders lift the U.S. flag from Officer Hunter Simoncic casket during the flag presentation ceremony at Children's Mercy Park on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, in Kansas City, Kansas. Simoncic was killed Aug. 26 after being struck by a fleeing driver while deploying stop sticks. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Deputy Blake Fisher wipes away tears while speaking during Officer Hunter Simoncic's memorial service at Children's Mercy Park. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
First responders carry out the casket of Officer Hunter Simoncic onto the field during his memorial service at Children's Mercy Park. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Steven Jennings, center, comforts Sarah Latham after she spoke during the readings of memories at Officer Hunter Simoncic's memorial service at Children's Mercy Park. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Kansas City, Kansas, Police Chief Karl Oakman speaks during Officer Hunter Simoncic's memorial service at Children's Mercy Park. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
The hearse carrying slain KCKPD Officer Hunter Simoncic, drives down State Ave., on Wednesday near the place where Simoncic was fatally injured, in Kansas City, Kansas. Simoncic was killed Aug. 26 after being struck by a fleeing driver while deploying stop sticks. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
The American flag is reflected in the windshield of a police cruiser as police lead a funeral procession for slain KCKPD Officer Hunter Simoncic. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Bystanders along State Avenue watch as police lead a funeral processional for slain KCKPD Officer Hunter Simoncic. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
A memorial wreath is set up Wednesday near the place where slain KCKPD Officer Hunter Simoncic was fatally injured in Kansas City, Kansas. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Glenn Haygood salutes the officers along State Avenue as police lead a funeral procession for slain KCKPD Officer Hunter Simoncic. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Kathleen Holton took photos as the procession for Kansas City, Kansas, police officer Hunter Simoncic traveled through downtown Kansas City, Kansas. Simoncic's patrol vehicle was on display during the procession. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Motorcycle officers lead the procession for Kansas City, Kansas, police officer Hunter Simoncic as it traveled through downtown Kansas City, Kansas, on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
People gathered along the street to pay their respects to Kansas City, Kansas, police officer Hunter Simoncic as his funeral procession traveled through downtown Kansas City, Kansas. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Tributes were left for Kansas City, Kansas, police officer Hunter Simoncic near his patrol vehicle on display in downtown Kansas City, Kansas. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Kansas City, Kansas, police officer Hunter Simoncic's name has been added to the police officer's memorial in downtown Kansas City, Kansas. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
